West Bengal Higher Secondary Council Chief Replaced Ahead of Exam Results
Kolkata, West Bengal – Chiranjib Bhattacharya has been removed from his position as president of the West Bengal Council of Higher Secondary Education (WBCHSE), with Partha Karmakar set to take over on March 2, 2026. The decision comes months before the end of Bhattacharya’s tenure and ahead of the announcement of the higher secondary examination results expected in early May.
Change in Leadership
Partha Karmakar, currently the deputy secretary of the West Bengal Board of Primary Education, will succeed Bhattacharya. Sources in the West Bengal higher education department confirmed the change in leadership according to the Hindustan Times.
Bhattacharya’s Reaction
Bhattacharya expressed his disappointment with the decision, stating he was not informed in advance. “I expected a word of thanks from the government. Instead, an order was issued replacing me. I did not expect such behaviour,” he told reporters. He also voiced regret at being relieved of his duties before the publication of the higher secondary examination results as reported by the Hindustan Times.
Accomplishments and Current Roles
During his tenure, Bhattacharya oversaw the introduction of the semester system in school education in West Bengal. He noted having successfully conducted six higher secondary examinations. Bhattacharya also currently serves as the vice-chancellor of Jadavpur University, a position he assumed in November of last year according to the Times of India. He stated that holding dual positions was not the reason for his removal.
Jadavpur University and WBJEE
The changes coincide with discussions at Jadavpur University regarding its potential withdrawal from the West Bengal Joint Entrance Examination (WBJEE) system. A proposal to conduct its own entrance exams is expected to be tabled before the Jadavpur University Executive Council, citing delays in starting classes as reported by the Times of India.
Previous Controversy
The council previously faced controversy regarding a mathematics question paper, with claims that questions were outside the curriculum. Bhattacharya confirmed the issue and assured students that full marks would be awarded for the disputed questions according to the Hindustan Times.